Unique Halloween Decorating Ideas
Despite that fact that the humidity here has me feeling melty a mere 2.5 seconds after I step outside; Code Orange alerts are starting to light up my social media feeds, reminding me that Autumn days are just around the corner.
Like other Halloween fanatics, I look forward to Halloween hitting the stores, and I make it a point to visit as many shops as possible to check out all the ghoulish goodies.
As much as I enjoy shopping for Halloween, I already have enough to decorate two houses, so unless it’s an absolute must-have, I admire it and leave it for the next enthusiast. And, though I do use readily available pieces in my displays, what I love to do is weave in odd bits and pieces for a unique look.
Most of the non-Halloween pieces I use are relatively inexpensive (though I have splurged a little on a few things) and easy to find at thrift stores, antique shops, yard sales, or mom’s attic. I just keep my eyes open for interesting pieces that I can incorporate into my decor.
Today, I will share some of the things I like to use that I hope will inspire you in your Halloween decorating.
Vintage and Costume Shoes
Fill a costume witch shoe with dried florals and use it as a centerpiece.
Set a pair near the garden gate along with a hat and broom to let passersby know that the “witch is in.”
Add a witchy wreath to your display with our easy how-to.
A vintage pair of children’s shoes set in a cabinet display indicates that perhaps they belonged to the resident poltergeist.
Pitchfork
Casually lean a pitchfork against the garden gate or stick it in a haybale as a welcoming tribute to Fall.
Gnarly Branches
Old, gnarly branches make a great backdrop and cast eerie shadows with the proper lighting.
Leave them natural or paint them and add to vases for a Dead and Breakfast Inn look.
Old Pottery and Glass
Be sure to pick up some chippy pottery or glassware to hold your branches and other dried Fall florals.
Sheets
Give a ghostly aura to your furniture for the season by covering it in white sheets.
Taxidermy
Ethically sourced taxidermy makes for a drop-dead display that will also spark conversation. (Read more about ethical sourcing.)
Mannequins
Dress mannequin heads in costume pieces and sprinkle them into your decor.
Add our simple-to-make ruffle collar to your mannequin head.
Costume or Vintage Hats
Costume or vintage hats look great on a mannequin head, hat stand, or casually sitting on a shelf.
Craft up our quick and easy Scarecrow Hat.
Old Black and White Photos
Add interesting old, black and white photos into your decor by tucking them into florals and wreaths, leaning them against a pile of books, or nestle one into a creepy vingnette.
Vintage "Junk"
Architectural salvage, old musical instruments, brooms, and other odd bits – anything that you find to be interesting can add a bit of mystery or whimsey to your Halloween decor.
Until next time, keep it creepy.